Predict Grammy winners and win a free dinner at Hampton Taphouse

Public Enemy's Chuck D once rapped a pointed critique of the Grammy awards. Loose translation: They're not worth a hoot. I'm inclined to agree, but that doesn't mean they should be ignored. Grammys do reflect a certain kind of consensus. It's just that the consensus doesn't always correspond with quality.

Or creativity. Or cultural significance. Or emotional depth.

All that aside, I'd like to invite you to enter our Grammy contest by predicting who will win in ten key Grammy categories. If you do well enough, you'll be eligible to win a $50 gift certificate to the Hampton Taphouse.

Here's a pointer from someone who's been a Grammy watcher for years. Big sales and name recognition are key drivers of Grammy votes. So, how do we explain the Arcade Fire's 2010 Album of the Year victory? Let's just say that wild cards show more often these days. Unpredictability is a good marketing tool.

The contest: Match wits with music industry bigwigs leading up to Sunday’s Grammy awards celebration. If you can predict winners in key Grammy categories, you’ll be eligible to win a free night out courtesy of The Taphouse in downtown Hampton.

How to enter: Choose who you think will win the following 10 Grammy categories. If more than one person gets the highest number of correct predictions, a random drawing will decide the winner.

Prize: $50 gift certificate to The Taphouse in downtown Hampton

Deadline to enter: 6 p.m. EST Sunday, Jan. 26. Winner will be announced at noon on Monday, Jan. 27 on the Daily Press Music Facebook page. The prize winner will need to pick up the gift certificate at the Daily Press offices, 7505 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, Va., or make other arrangements to collect the prize.